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[Astral/H3X]

To answer your question: some trips, family events, and somewhat of a hobbyist interest.

Okay, so if there's somewhat of a hobbyist interest, I don't want to block you off from flash, so you'll want to look for something that has a hotshoe.

So the main starting point (IMO) is whether you want a mirrorless camera or a DSLR. I'll go ahead and say this up front: There is no image quality difference between a mirrorless camera, and a DSLR. They have the same sensors, and take the same photos. That being said, there's a few key differences, the main ones being Electronic Viewfinder or Optical Viewfinder, size and weight, battery life, and (less so) wifi connectivity.
Mirrorless cameras do not use a mirror to project the image through an eyepiece, and instead use a digital screen. This is the primary difference, and is more or less where all the other differences come from. Since there's no mirror, you don't need a space to put it in, so it can be smaller and lighter. And since you're using a digital screen, you get nifty features like Live View (where what you see on the screen shows what your exposure will be, instead of completely unrelated. IE; if the viewfinder will brighten or darken as you change your settings, whereas on a DSLR you get no indication of how the photo will turn out), as the ability to have a remote view on your smartphone (Though usually this is a bit cumbersome, it can make self group photos pretty easy). The disadvantages are that 1: since it's displaying on a screen, instead of just passively reflecting light for you to see, mirrorless cameras have much lower battery life. Whether this is an issue or not is ENTIRELY up to how much you'll be using it at one time. Also, moreso than with DSLRs, you have to consider the quality of your eyepiece, as some older cameras use low res, not great displays that can make it hard to judge your photos.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that a Mirrorless camera is the best for beginners, as not only does it make it easier to get into to begin with, but also makes it easier to get into more advanced features like manual focus and exposure. Also it's nice and compact.

Some good mirrorless cameras in that general price area:
Fujifilm X A-2. I've heard these take great out of camera JPG's.
A6000 (More expensive, but has EVF instead of just screen, but not as good out of camera JPGs. Sensor is better if you shoot RAW and post process and stuff)

I'll let someone else make a Canon or Nikon recommendation.

 

[RuGalz]

To answer your question: some trips, family events, and somewhat of a hobbyist interest.

Then the next question is do you have interest in photography. Many people buying MILC/DSLR not understanding that these cameras aren't really going to magically take better pictures. Lower end models often have worse automatic modes for beginners than higher end point and shoot cameras -- more true for DSLRs than MILC. If you don't plan to leave the automatic mode on the camera, I'd go for point and shoot cameras.

 

[th3dude]

Okay, so if there's somewhat of a hobbyist interest, I don't want to block you off from flash, so you'll want to look for something that has a hotshoe.

So the main starting point (IMO) is whether you want a mirrorless camera or a DSLR. I'll go ahead and say this up front: There is no image quality difference between a mirrorless camera, and a DSLR. They have the same sensors, and take the same photos. That being said, there's a few key differences, the main ones being Electronic Viewfinder or Optical Viewfinder, size and weight, battery life, and (less so) wifi connectivity.
Mirrorless cameras do not use a mirror to project the image through an eyepiece, and instead use a digital screen. This is the primary difference, and is more or less where all the other differences come from. Since there's no mirror, you don't need a space to put it in, so it can be smaller and lighter. And since you're using a digital screen, you get nifty features like Live View (where what you see on the screen shows what your exposure will be, instead of completely unrelated. IE; if the viewfinder will brighten or darken as you change your settings, whereas on a DSLR you get no indication of how the photo will turn out), as the ability to have a remote view on your smartphone (Though usually this is a bit cumbersome, it can make self group photos pretty easy). The disadvantages are that 1: since it's displaying on a screen, instead of just passively reflecting light for you to see, mirrorless cameras have much lower battery life. Whether this is an issue or not is ENTIRELY up to how much you'll be using it at one time. Also, moreso than with DSLRs, you have to consider the quality of your eyepiece, as some older cameras use low res, not great displays that can make it hard to judge your photos.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that a Mirrorless camera is the best for beginners, as not only does it make it easier to get into to begin with, but also makes it easier to get into more advanced features like manual focus and exposure. Also it's nice and compact.

Some good mirrorless cameras in that general price area:
Fujifilm X A-2. I've heard these take great out of camera JPG's.
A6000 (More expensive, but has EVF instead of just screen, but not as good out of camera JPGs. Sensor is better if you shoot RAW and post process and stuff)

I'll let someone else make a Canon or Nikon recommendation.

Then the next question is do you have interest in photography. Many people buying MILC/DSLR not understanding that these cameras aren't really going to magically take better pictures. Lower end models often have worse automatic modes for beginners than higher end point and shoot cameras -- more true for DSLRs than MILC. If you don't plan to leave the automatic mode on the camera, I'd go for point and shoot cameras.

Some things for me to consider and think about. Thanks! I'll get back to this thread if I decide on any more relevant info for you. Very helpful, thanks again!

 

[Risible]

To answer your question: some trips, family events, and somewhat of a hobbyist interest.

I'll let someone else make a Canon or Nikon recommendation.

From the Canon side, if you decide to go the DSLR route I would recommend the SL1.

The kit lens is quite good.

If you want a longer zoom the kit zoom is excellent as well. Both lenses have optical stabilisation.

Honestly, you can do almost anything with those two lenses. If you want a little "arty" lens with deep bokeh (background blur) you can grab the 55mm f1.8.

The Yongnuoh 50mm f1.8 also quite good, if a little noisier.

With the two basic lenses you could easily shoot portraits, outdoor sports, family stuff, while also dabbling in the hobbbyist stuff.

PM me if you want some examples of shots with that camera and lens(es).

 

[panthapanda]

I hate buying on Reddit. Seriously, sellers are the worst. No comunnication most of the time.

Was going to buy a Sigma 17-50mm and me and seller agrees to a price. I ask for an invoice, never get it. Ask if they sent the invoice or sold to someone else. No reply. But they respond to a comment on the thread hours after I sent the message.

I really wanted the lens too

 

[BlueTsunami]

Carl Zeiss 28mm F/2 Distagon 😍

Quick snap at F/2. Lens holds contrast extremely well wide open. Better than my last favorite 28mm, the Nikkor 28mm f/2 AI which had veiling flare when shot wide open (effected contrast)

Also wide open...

 

[captive]

Carl Zeiss 28mm F/2 Distagon 😍

Quick snap at F/2. Lens holds contrast extremely well wide open. Better than my last favorite 28mm, the Nikkor 28mm f/2 AI which had veiling flare when shot wide open (effected contrast)

nice lens. I've been looking at getting a 35mm zeiss and or 15mm.

but i did have to laugh at the huge red label "35mm FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR"



Still have my old nikon 300mm f4 and a Mamiya AF 55mm lenses for sale.
$300 for each.

 

[BlueTsunami]

nice lens. I've been looking at getting a 35mm zeiss and or 15mm.

but i did have to laugh at the huge red label "35mm FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR"



Still have my old nikon 300mm f4 and a Mamiya AF 55mm lenses for sale.
$300 for each.

Total Sony to design a nice product and throw a bright garish logo lol

And this lenses sibling, the 35/2 Ikon, is supposed to be fantastic. More well behaved in regards to field curvature. Looks like its going around $700 used.

 

[Ty4on]

Total Sony to design a nice product and throw a bright garish logo lol

And that blue ring when you attach a Zeiss lens. Nope, doesn't clash at all

 

[VisceralBowl]

Any time I hear "strap recommendation" I immediately think of the Peak Design straps.
So I'd start there.

Peak Design Slide using the little on body mounts. I agree, the tripod mount stuff isn't for me either.

Thanks for the recommendation. The slide looks like the best option I've found.

 

[sankt-Antonio]

Imo, the orange ring on the A7's is a nice looking touch on a otherwise rather boring body design.

 

[Joel Was Right]

Carl Zeiss 28mm F/2 Distagon ��

Quick snap at F/2. Lens holds contrast extremely well wide open. Better than my last favorite 28mm, the Nikkor 28mm f/2 AI which had veiling flare when shot wide open (effected contrast)



Also wide open...[/QUOTE]

At f2.8, this should be a lot sharper

 

[Astral/H3X]

Thanks for the recommendation. The slide looks like the best option I've found.

Their straps are absolutely the best thing ever. Straps either A) take 5 minutes to put on or take off, which is absolutely unacceptable and I'll just go completely without, or B) like $200, which LMAO.
I've got the leash, and I can use it as a neck strap, shoulder strap, bag tether or even a one point sling like a rifle (which is actually really convenient haha). And it just clips and unclips so easily and quickly that I switch from style to style all the time.

 

[BlueTsunami]

At f2.8, this should be a lot sharper

Oh yeah, I've stopped down to 2.8 and the lens is critically sharp in the center. At f2 there's a very pretty soft feel to the transition of the in and out of focus area. Great for mid distance shots of people.

The color 'pop' can be unreal. lve found Zeiss's color profile can allow for this clinical cool profile, bias to the blue part of the spectrum, that I adore.

Those pics arent the best judge of sharpness though since I transferred them from the body to my smartphone with no post processing. I think there's some compression involved. The lens gives usable files even then, as far as contrast.

Before this lens I was using a $30 Minolta 28/2.8. This thing is like using alien tech as far as the IQ provided.

I currently own a Contax/Yashica 50/1.4 and, possibly, my next lens would be the modern 50/2 from Zeiss. Or maybe a super wide from Voigtlander (15mm or 12mm), just for fun.

 

[Andeeeh]

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/first-image-new-hasselblad-system-camera-sony-sensor/

Leak of the Hassy mirrorless MF camera.

If this thing has in body stabilisation, then it will definitely be a game changer.

 

[Ty4on]

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/first-image-new-hasselblad-system-camera-sony-sensor/

Leak of the Hassy mirrorless MF camera.

If this thing has in body stabilisation, then it will definitely be a game changer.

I still don't think it will be at 9k. It'll maybe sell well for a medium format, but not complete with the A7.

The crop factor is just 0.78 so the sensor isn't that much bigger than full frame.

 

[Andeeeh]

I still don't think it will be at 9k. It'll maybe sell well for a medium format, but not complete with the A7.

The crop factor is just 0.78 so the sensor isn't that much bigger than full frame.

I don't think the intention was for it be a game changer in the realms of the prosumer DSLR market (sub 4k range), well at least that was the impression I was getting when they said they are aiming at the professional DSLR and Leica markets.

But for 1.7 times the sensor size vs 35mm full frame. Its not to bad. It will be interesting to see how this sells vs the 645Z, which is $2k less and has the same Sony sensor.

 

[Ty4on]

Pro DSLR is sub 4k though with the 5D/5DS and D810. Lenses are much cheaper there as well.

I can see them getting some of the Leica marked, but I think the lens lineup is too small or a comparable set too expensive for most pros.

 

[Finn of Ooo]

Can anyone recommend me a camera that will mostly be used for landscape/outdoor/nature shots? Doesn't need to be professional grade but I don't want something point and shoot either. I want to learn how to actually compose a shot and I have a basic understanding of shutter speed and aperture balance but that's about it.

 

[Andeeeh]

Can anyone recommend me a camera that will mostly be used for landscape/outdoor/nature shots? Doesn't need to be professional grade but I don't want something point and shoot either. I want to learn how to actually compose a shot and I have a basic understanding of shutter speed and aperture balance but that's about it.

For me, when I shoot landscapes. I want image quality and resolution. With this in mind, I chose the a7RII. It has a high resolution sensor which is ISO invariant, which essentially means it produces the same image quality by staying at the base ISO and underexposing the photo. This means you can save lots of detail in your shadows and highlight areas by brightening the image in post.

With that consideration here are some options:

• Nikon D750
• Used Nikon D810
• Sony A7RII

 

[Rentahamster]

Those are some pretty expensive options, considering:

Doesn't need to be professional grade but I don't want something point and shoot either. I want to learn how to actually compose a shot and I have a basic understanding of shutter speed and aperture balance but that's about it.

They are very good at what they do, though.

Finn, you should probably fill out that list of questions from the OP.

 

[BlueTsunami]

Buy used from somewhere reputable. This allows you to buy gear punching way above its valued weight.

 

[diaspora]

Can anyone recommend me a camera that will mostly be used for landscape/outdoor/nature shots? Doesn't need to be professional grade but I don't want something point and shoot either. I want to learn how to actually compose a shot and I have a basic understanding of shutter speed and aperture balance but that's about it.

Depends on what you're willing to spend. I could recommend anything between a Canon 80D to a 5DSr.

 

[captive]

Buy used from somewhere reputable. This allows you to buy gear punching way above its valued weight.

this needs to be like stickied or something. I got my d800 several years ago refurbished and so got it a few hundred cheaper than retail.
Today I just bought the newest version of the 300mm f4 from nikon for 1600 which is 400 off of retail.

I got the nikon 35mm f2 for 250 bucks used as well.

 

[itsbenoclock]

Just found a C500 body only with monitor and all the gubbins for £3700. Bare in mind all my kit is Sony so far, but should I bite just for the deal? 24 month guarantee too.

 

[CrashPrime]

So I gave in and got another bag to try out. It is a Timbuk2 Commute Medium which I always wanted to try a Timbuk2 messenger so this was a nice chance to do it cheap. My question is who other than Timbuk2 (snoop is nice but $60 for insert is meh) makes a good divider/insert for a messenger bag?

 

[captive]

does anyone want a 77mm Hoya HD UV filter? It came with the 300mm and i sure as hell aint gonna use it. I know some of you have been sucked into believing it will protect your lens, ;-) so if you want it let me know, just pay shipping, unless your local to houston.

 

[jokkir]

Sony 50mm F1.8 or the Sigma 60mm F2.8 for my A6000?

The seem to be similar-ish prices and wanting to take more portraits.

Here's what I'm achieving with my Sigma 30mm F2.8 in terms of portraits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125244042@N08/

Oh, and what are good resources for portraits? I need more inspiration.

 

[BokehKing]

Since I've been gone, I ditched the Nikon d3200 and picked up the D750....also just picked up the Tamron 35mm 1.8
Plus picked up the Lee Filter system with a Big Stopper, finally being able to do some long exposure shots during broad day light has really expanded the type of shots I can take.

 

[Astral/H3X]

Sony 50mm F1.8 or the Sigma 60mm F2.8 for my A6000?

The seem to be similar-ish prices and wanting to take more portraits.

Here's what I'm achieving with my Sigma 30mm F2.8 in terms of portraits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125244042@N08/

Oh, and what are good resources for portraits? I need more inspiration.

50mm on apsc is mostly useful for portrait shots, where you will more or less NEED the f1.8. Having a 60mm that only goes to 2.8 loses that capability, so I would avoid it, and I say this as a person who loves the sigma 30mm.

 

[jongkookie]

so if you want it let me know, just pay shipping, unless your local to houston.

Any good spots to take some pics at Houston?

I might be in town for a couple of days next next week.

I've gone to Hermann Park before but that's about the only place I know that's pretty. I'm not looking to do portraits though, just wanting to get some good pics without people lol.

 

[FStop7]

That new Hasselblad X1D seems pretty cool. Medium format DSLRs have issues with vibration because of the large sizes of the mirror assemblies. The Leica S bodies suffer from mirror induced shake at shutter speeds as high as 1/250, for example. A lot of MF cameras rely on leaf shutters in the lenses themselves. Removing the mirror opens up a lot of possibilities not to mention making the whole package significantly smaller. If I were a wedding or landscape photographer I'd be pretty interested in the X1D.

 

[m_shortpants]

Buy used from somewhere reputable. This allows you to buy gear punching way above its valued weight.

Any recommendations for sites ?

 

[captive]

Any good spots to take some pics at Houston?

I might be in town for a couple of days next next week.

I've gone to Hermann Park before but that's about the only place I know that's pretty. I'm not looking to do portraits though, just wanting to get some good pics without people lol.

like wildlife or landscape or cityscape or something else?

 

[BlueTsunami]

Any recommendations for sites ?

Www.keh.com, www.adorama.com, www.bhphoto.com

I think bhphoto's used section is kind of hidden in the sites UI but you can find gems there. KEH is my go to site though, and look there first.

Also Amazon. Look into what body/gear you want and check out the used section. Just be mindful of the 3rd party sellers ratings and whatnot. I got my Zeiss for $750 from a private seller, box and all like new. Lens still retails for over 1K.

 

[Ty4on]

Keh is also nice to check the value of used gear. It's usually a bit more expensive than eBay, but I've found several lenses on eBay that were overpriced thanks to Keh.

 

[VisceralBowl]

KEH is also almost always running discounts. Right now they have a code "CAMERADAY" that gets you 15% off digital and 25% off film stuff. I don't know if they stack with other things.

 

[Ty4on]

That too.

It's also really nice to have reliable customer service and it being a store most people online are raving about vs a random eBay seller. Easily worth the small premium.

Last Christmas KEH offered free international shipping to orders over 150 so I purchased two lenses and a random body cap because I kinda needed it and it pushed the price over 150. I didn't get any updates for a week I think on the order and contacted them. They responded quickly saying one of the lenses I wanted had run out of stock and they were quite busy during Black Friday etc. An inconvenience, but they handled it well and gave me free shipping despite the total price being under 150 and were able to change the address as I was traveling for Christmas.

I'd use them a lot more if international shipping prices weren't so high or I lived in the US. Last I checked it was almost 100$ with heavy gear and I have to pay 25% tax on the entire purchase.

 

[Professor Renegade]

Hey guys, I recently got a Nikon D3300 as a graduation gift and I'm looking to get a bag for it. Are there any good ones that aren't over $100?

 

[jongkookie]

like wildlife or landscape or cityscape or something else?

Anything tbh.

I'll have my family with me so I'm sure they wouldn't mind seeing some pretty locations.

We usually stay over the Medical District since there's a kick-ass Filipino restaurant there but we'll go anywhere really.

 

[RuGalz]

Hey guys, I recently got a Nikon D3300 as a graduation gift and I'm looking to get a bag for it. Are there any good ones that aren't over $100?

Depending on what you need but Adorama has flash sale on bags regularly. I've picked up a couple different ones for different occasions for around 20 bucks each.

 

[Art Teitlebaum]

Hey guys, I recently got a Nikon D3300 as a graduation gift and I'm looking to get a bag for it. Are there any good ones that aren't over $100?

I know they are not very pretty, but the amazonbasics camera bags give some really good bang for your buck. My sister-in-law had one with her recently and I was quite surprised how well they are build considering the ridiculous low price.

 

[Team Jones]

Sony 50mm F1.8 or the Sigma 60mm F2.8 for my A6000?

The seem to be similar-ish prices and wanting to take more portraits.

Here's what I'm achieving with my Sigma 30mm F2.8 in terms of portraits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125244042@N08/

Oh, and what are good resources for portraits? I need more inspiration.

Sony 50mm F1.8 (SEL50F18). It's simply amazing, great price, quick focus, and crisp photos.

 

[JadedWriter]

After being told to do a shoot at the last minute and having left my camera at home and having to be forced to main the Canon that my job has I can safely just say I'll never be a Canon person. The UI honestly just feels so completely wrong to me. I was able to shoot just fine, but it turns out I shot everything in a a super low res file setting and I didn't even know till I checked my file sized after the shoot. The pictures are like 256kb and nothing on the display actually tells you what format you're shooting in. At least on my Nikon my top display will actually tell you you're shooting in Raw and other stuff. With the 60D I was using you have to menu dive a bit. PS I hate sharing a camera with videographers. The settings are always out of whack when they're done using it.

 

[iamcenok]

So I'm in the market for a Nikkor 24-70 2.8. The non-vr model. And I saw one listed on Amazon 'like new' complete with box and what not. The seller requests emailing them before purchase. So I did and got this reply

Hello,

Thanks for your interest! Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras is Brand New, original box, sealed, never used, not scratches or any problems, comes in the manufacturer packaging with 2 Year full warranty and all manufacturer supplied accessories, US model. The total price is $988.00, including all shipping and insurance fees to United States / Canada. (3-5 business days).

The price is less than usual, because we have special offers and discounts in this period. The offer lasts 7 days. Take advantage while the offer lasts.

The transaction is through Amazon Payments; payment method is through Amazon Gift Card and you are covered by A-to-z Guarantee Protection. You can easily buy an Amazon Gift Card using your credit card directly on the Amazon website.

Return policy is full money back or replace the product, you can return it for any reason at all within 30 days.

If you want to buy, please confirm your full name and shipping address and I will place an order on Amazon for you; and then you receive the order confirmation from them with all details about the next steps to complete your purchase.
We will reserve the item for you and soon you receive the order confirmation from Amazon.

Many Thanks,
Media Market

This sounds a bit fishy to me. Anybody else get that vibe or is it just me?

On an unrelated note. I picked up some alien bees and I'm loving them! I need to post some photos of my current set up.

If anybody is in the market for an sb-910, I'm looking to get rid of mine.

 

[Art Teitlebaum]

So I'm in the market for a Nikkor 24-70 2.8. The non-vr model. And I saw one listed on Amazon 'like new' complete with box and what not. The seller requests emailing them before purchase. So I did and got this reply

This sounds a bit fishy to me. Anybody else get that vibe or is it just me?

Most likely scam!

 

[BlueTsunami]

Yeah I wouldn't trust any vendor that has you jumping through a hoop just to buy something

 

[iamcenok]

Thought so. The price they're selling at isn't out of the norm for a used lens give or take. But given the inconsistencies between them calling it like new and brand new in the email. And the link provided above. Meh. I'll keep shopping around.

 

[Skel1ingt0n]

A bunch of Fuji's best lenses have been 30% off on Amazon for several weeks now. Unfortunately, it's barely effected the used market; whether on eBay, Amazon Used, or even FredMiranda. Folks are still able to sell their used equipment dollar-for-dollar what I can get a new copy for.

I've followed the game for over a decade, and normally you'll see used prices undercut the sales at least temporarily, and then quickly climb back up when the sale is over.

I'd really love to splurge on the 16mm or the 10-24. Need something wider than my 23.

 

[brerwolfe]

I can safely just say I'll never be a Canon person. The UI honestly just feels so completely wrong to me. I was able to shoot just fine, but it turns out I shot everything in a a super low res file setting and I didn't even know till I checked my file sized after the shoot. The pictures are like 256kb and nothing on the display actually tells you what format you're shooting in.

I've never used that camera, but my 5D3 and 1DX2 both say RAW when reviewing the image and pressing the Info button.

But the file size/resolution is on you. Anytime you pick up a camera that hasn't already been in your possession you gotta go through those menus! I use my cameras primarily for video, but my dial never leaves M.